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Orvieto Drawing Series: July 2007

This summer, I participated in the New York Studio School's two week drawing marathon in Orvieto, Italy (the green words indicate links to the artworks online for you to see!). It was an amazing experience...our days alternated between drawing from Signorelli's frescoes at the Orvieto Duomo and drawing from the models in an Orvieto gym, and taking day-trips throughout Italy to draw from great works of art.

Overall, it was a wonderful trip. But the most amazing aspect of it was studying and spending time with Graham Nickson, dean of the New York Studio School. In addition to being a great artist and generous teacher, he is also an excellent chef! I hope you enjoy the artwork and the photographs.

The Large Transcription: The
last day of the marathon, we split into two groups, each making a large
transcription of a Lucca Signorelli fresco. The group I was in did
"Heaven," and the other group did "Hell." Unfortunately, we had to
destroy the piece, as it was too large to take back to the United
States. Hopefully the following photos will give you an idea of the
experience. Enjoy!

Ian, Bettina and Kat work on their sections

Alison begins work on the top half

We began with a grid: it helps when you areworking large from a small drawing

My section: our group began by dividing the fresco into sectionsbut later we all pretty much worked the whole piece

The (semi) finished piece: 32 feet across and 12.5 feet tall

Left-hand side of the transcription

Middle section of transcription

Right-hand side of transcription

Detail

Detail

The "Hell" transcription

The "Hell" transcription

I got really dirty!

Who wants to give me a foot massage?
Graham Nickson evaluates the two drawings